Chicken Stock and Kindergarten

Well, you would not think chicken stock and Kindergarten would have anything in common but, seeing as in the last week they are both firsts in this household, they do:)  Are you laughing?  Well, it's the truth:) Confession: I have not made chicken stock in my entire eight year marriage.  Not successfully, although I never tried.  It's quite easy and given I finally purchased a knock off stock pot, which I love, I thought the prefect way to christen it would be to be purposeful with our leftovers for a change (leftover roast chicken; not a first but also VERY rare for me).  The alternative usually happens where I leave the leftover gnarled bits of chicken carcass in the refrigerator until it a.) turns moldy and must be removed by husband, or b.) I need the pot the leftover moldy chicken is in for another dish and so am forced to confront the remnants.  All in all, I was quite proud of myself and hope to alternate our easy Sunday dinner's of Papa Murphy's pizza with a roasted chicken followed by productive chicken broth.  One of these days I'll figure out how to make Matzo Balls and then the comfort food will be complete, for a while. Something also tells me with Adam's first year of kindergarten there may come a day or two this fall where a good stock is necessary.  

 

(Not sure if I'm more excited about the pot or the stock?) 

And so the more exciting, sad, nervous, proud, concerned, happy news is that Adam started kindergarten today.  I have heard the quote, "the days are long but the years short" or something like that, and indeed it is true.  I am writing this post partially to pass the time till I get to go and pick him up.  A long day.  He was happy and I held back tears walking him down the hall because little boys don't understand "happy mama tears" and I didn't want him to get nervous and then rethink his excitement or feel the need to comfort me. I'll be honest, I thought I'd hold it together, but I did get choked up.  After a goodbye hug, I stood longingly just outside the door and made sure to watch till he found his seat.  A part of me selfishly hoped he would look back my way once more, maybe for reassurance, more for me than him I suppose.  But, he did not.  He didn't need to search the room for me.  He was ready and so I let him go on to his day.  I hope the day unfolded in the same manner and am excited and nervous and anxious to hear, as soon as he steps foot in our car, all I missed and he experienced.   Stay tuned:)   In conclusion, I reserve the right to change my mind and home school him and may do so one day, but today, today Adam was excited and proud and I let him do something he's been looking forward to for years.  

Onto other news from the week.  I caught this picture with Ella (who also had her six month birthday this past week)  and Grand dad on Saturday...if that's not a great smile I don't know what is:)  

And I'll leave you all with this.  Below, a picture of Elena at church yesterday.  I think my friend said it best, she is "the most adorable hot mess, ever!!!!!"  Indeed, she is.  (I mean if someone looked at you like this at church, while holding a collection basket, would you not immediately find your wallet and give??:) 

P.S.  I intend to post less and less of normal family life stuff on Facebook so if you want to keep in touch or know what's going on around these parts, you can subscribe to new posts up above and to the right, I think, this is all new to me:) I think it will send it to your email?? Have a great week!